APPLY NOW

COVID-19 UPDATE: Fall 2022-Spring 2023 student teaching experiences and practicum experiences (including observations and internships) – We are continuing to monitor the pandemic and follow guidelines issued through a combination of the Arizona Department of Education, The University of Arizona, the CDC, Arizona Department of Health, and individual school districts/sites. Currently, student teaching and practicum experiences are in-person following the assigned school site’s mitigation plan and adhering to any University guidelines/requirements. It is highly recommended that student teachers and practicum students are fully vaccinated/boosted and continue to practice frequent hand washing, physical distancing, weekly COVID testing, masking when appropriate, and staying home when sick. If you have symptoms of COVID, have tested positive, or have been exposed to someone who tested positive, please self-isolate and reference this document for guidance on what to do.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

The College of Fine Arts Office of Field Experiences is dedicated to professional arts educator preparation and practical field placements of our music and art education students. At the onset of the teacher preparation program, all students must submit evidence of going through the College of Fine Arts Teacher Preparation Program Training Modules to the program director. Once all coursework is completed for the degree in Music Education or Art and Visual Culture Education, our arts teacher preparation programs culminate with with a semester-long student teaching placement in the relevant content area.

If you are not currently enrolled at The University of Arizona and would like to more information or to apply online, please visit the UA Fred Fox School of Music or the UA School of Art.

Contact Information

Dr. Karin K. Nolan
Assistant Professor of Music Education, UArizona Fred Fox School of Music
Director of Field Experiences, UArizona College of Fine Arts
P.O. Box 210004, Tucson, AZ 85721
Email: knolan@arizona.edu
Mailbox: Music Building, Room 109
Office: Music Building, Room 159
Phone: (520) 621-7470

Forms and Resources

Download the College of Fine Arts Teacher Candidate Guidebook

2022-2023 Academic Year: Meetings, Dates, and Deadlines

  • 8/17/22, 2-5:00pm, Zoom meeting – Professional Development Part II for Fall 2022 STs, Supervisors, and Mentor Teachers
  • 9/7/22, 1pm-2pm, Zoom meeting – Student Teacher Orientation for Spring 2023 ST Applicants
  • 9/23/22, by 5pm – Student Teacher Application Due to D2L page for Spring 2023 ST Applicants
  • 10/7/23 – Supervisor Mileage due for first half of semester via email to Dr. Nolan
  • 11/17/22, 4-6pm, Zoom meeting – Career Advisement Session for Fall 2022 STs
  • 12/9/22, 9-11am, Zoom meeting – Professional Development Part I for Spring 2023 STs
  • 12/8/22, Student Teacher Time Cards due for Fall 2023 STs
  • 12/8/22, Supervisor Paperwork Due – electronically submission of midterm/final and signature page, phase-in schedule, and student teacher evaluation (Supervisor Deadline Only).
  • 1/9/23, 2-5pm, Zoom meeting – Professional Development Part II for Spring 2023 STs
  • 2/1/23, 1-2pm, Zoom meeting – Student Teacher Orientation for Fall 2023 ST Applicants
  • 2/7/23, 1pm-4pm, Student Union Ballroom – Educator Job Fair for Fall 2022/Spring 2023 STs
  • 2/17/23, by 5pm – Student Teacher Application Due to D2L page for Fall 2023 ST Applicants
  • 3/3/23 – Supervisor Mileage due for first half of semester via email to Dr. Nolan
  • 5/4/23, 9-11am, Zoom meeting – Professional Development Part I for Fall 2023 STs
  • 5/4/23, Student Teacher Time Cards due for Spring 2023 STs
  • 5/4/23, Supervisor Paperwork Due for Spring 2023 STs– electronically submission of midterm/final and signature page, phase-in schedule, and student teacher evaluation (Supervisor Deadline Only)

Important: No one is allowed to student teach without an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card, and the process takes approximately two months. Please get fingerprinted ASAP if you do not already have a clearance card or if your current card is scheduled to expire within a couple of months. For more information, see Fingerprint Clearance Card Information.

Student Teacher Application Orientation

It is required that you attend the Student Teacher Orientation Meeting the semester prior to student teacher. RSVP to the appropriate Orientation Date (semester prior to your intended student teaching semester) to Dr. Karin Nolan (knolan@arizona.edu) as soon as possible and indicate whether you are art education or music education. The one-hour mandatory orientations are held at the beginning of each semester.

Steps to Apply for Student Teaching:

Make sure that at the beginning of your academic program/degree in either music or art education, that you complete the training modules on the D2L Course “College of Fine Arts Teacher Prep Program” and upload all required files to the D2L assignment dropbox. There are directions regarding how to access these on the training slides, but if you cannot access the course, please contact Dr. Karin Nolan (knolan@arizona.edu) for enrollment. Students must remain current on these training materials throughout their academic program, and no student may apply for student teaching without evidence of completion.

  1. Read through the entire Student Teacher Orientation Presentation.
  2. Fill out completely and sign your application.
  3. Meet with your academic advisor ASAP to go over your coursework checklist. Bring the correct checklist with you for your advisor meeting:
  4. If you have not already taken and passed the NES Test “Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Secondary,” pay and register for the test and put the test date on your coursework checklist. The NES test should be completed and passed prior to student teaching. For more information, see NES Test Information and NES Test Framework.
  5. For art students, meet with your major professor (Dr. Shin for art) to finish going over your coursework checklist. Bring your transcript to this meeting.
  6. Update your resume to make it current and professional and make sure it is acceptable for submission to school districts.
  7. Photocopy both sides of your IVP fingerprint clearance card. If you do not already have a valid fingerprint clearance card, you need to obtain one ASAP, as it takes a couple of months for your fingerprint card to arrive; no one can student teach without an IVP fingerprint clearance card. For more information, see Fingerprint Clearance Card Information.
  8. Save a PDF of your unofficial transcripts from UAccess.
  9. Prior to the due date discussed during Orientation (typically two weeks after orientation, see above tab for dates and deadlines), submit all of the following to D2L’s Assignment Dropbox in the course: “College of Fine Arts Teacher Prep Program”: Application, Standards Contract (last page of application), signed coursework checklist, resume, transcripts, and photocopy of front and back of fingerprint clearance card.

All coursework (with the exception of student teaching course) must be completed by the last day of finals in the semester prior to student teaching. You are not allowed to take courses during Winter Session (for Spring student teachers) or Summer Session II (for Fall student teachers) because this overlaps with student teaching and the grade would not be posted prior to student teaching. Read the information included in the tab below that relates to your intended student teacher semester. This information includes required meetings and dates.

UPDATE: This program is suspended until the UArizona Study Abroad program can ensure 12 international student teachers per semester.

As of Fall 2018: we are so excited to offer our student teachers an optional, partial student teaching placement in either Norway and China! Please view the slideshow of photos created by our first student teacher abroad, who student taught in music in Norway during the Fall of 2018: ISTP Norway Slideshow.

Summary of The International Student Teaching Program (ISTP)

  • First half of student teacher placement is in Tucson. Second half is in either Norway or China.
  • Instruction is done in English. Students serve as student teachers in their content area and also as “American ambassadors.”
  • Requirements for Student Teachers to apply for ISTP: 3.0 GPA, Study Abroad application and fee ($80), Interview, UA Program Fee deposit.
  • A minimum of three student teachers across all UA Teacher Prep Programs and our sister program at Iowa State are needed to facilitate the ISTP.
  • Norway Placement: 7 weeks in Rosendal (on the southwest coast of Norway near Bergen) at Kvinnherad District schools. Students live in cabins on the fjord and take weekend excursions to museums (including seeing the best preserved Viking ships) and hiking spots.
  • China Placement: 8 weeks in Liyang (Jiangsu Province) at the Liyang Foreign Language School (elementary) or Liyang High School. Liyang is on the western coast of China and is two hours from Shanghai. Student teachers live in extremely safe, gated community apartments located on the school campus. This experience includes weekly lessons in Mandarin and Chinese culture, including excursions to regional museums and cultural sites.
  • Fees:
    • UA Study Abroad Application fee ($80):
    • UA Program Cost (includes room and board, cooperating teacher’s pay, health insurance, site supervisor’s fee, departmental costs, and 6 credits of UA tuition): China: ~$1350, Norway: ~$3700 (exact costs change depending on number of student teachers).
      • Deposit Due: middle of semester prior to student teaching
    • Not covered by UA Program Cost: airfare, Visa/Residence permit (for China), and some meals (lunch is provided in China; grocery money provided in Norway).
  • UA Supervisor Abroad: Dr. Sylvia Munsen. Dr. Munsen travels to each country and spends a week with the student teachers for observations and coaching. There is also weekly contact with Dr. Munsen and reflective journals each day.
  • For more information, please contact our U of A ISTP coordinator: Dr. Sylvia Munsen.

Make sure you attend the orientation and apply for Student Teaching during the semester prior to your student teaching semester.

When registering for your last semester of classes, make sure to enroll in 12 units of MUS 493M or ARE 493. (Note: if you are participating in the International Student Teaching Program, you will only register for 6 credits; the remaining 6 credits will be through Global Initiatives/Study Abroad.)

Important dates to add to your calendars:

  • Orientation for Fall 2022 student teachers is: February 2, 2022 from 1-2pm. RSVP to knolan@arizona.edu if you plan to attend. See tab above entitled “Applying to be a Student Teacher” for more details.
  • Application Due: February 18, 2022 by 5pm to D2L page for College of Fine Arts Teacher Prep Program.
  • Professional Development Conference Part I: May 5, 2022, 9:00-11:00 AM, Place: Zoom
    • Prior to this meeting, read the Student Teacher Guidebook. It is essential that you are familiar with our guidebook and come with questions to this meeting.
    • Here are the slides for this meeting.
  • Professional Development Conference Part II: Date, time, and location: August 10, 2022, 2-5:00pm
  • Career Advisement Session: Nov __, 2022; registration required in advance. Details emailed to student teachers.
  • Seminar Dates as determined by your syllabus for MUS 493M or ARE 493. These are usually monthly meetings held on campus or via Zoom in the evenings. More information about the seminar that accompanies the student teaching semester can be obtained through the syllabus and instructor of record for your MUS/ARE 493 course.
  • When your degree is posted and Institutional Recommendation is obtained, plan to get your TEACHER CERTIFICATION (see below)

Make sure you attend the orientation and apply for Student Teaching during the semester prior to your student teaching semester.

When registering for your last semester of classes, make sure to enroll in 12 units of MUS 493M or ARE 493.

Important dates to add to your calendars:

  • Orientation for Spring 2023 student teachers is: September 7, 2022 from 1-2pm via Zoom. RSVP to knolan@arizona.edu if you plan to attend to receive the link. See tab above entitled “Applying to be a Student Teacher” for more details.
  • Application Due: September 23, 2022 by 5pm to D2L page.
  • Professional Development Conference Part I: December 9, 2022, 9:00-11:00 AM, via Zoom.
    • Prior to this meeting, read the Student Teacher Guidebook. It is essential that you are familiar with our guidebook and come with questions to this meeting.
  • Professional Development Conference Part II: January 9, 2023, 2:00-5:00 PM, via Zoom.
  • Career Advisement Session and Educational Career Fair: February 7, 2023. Time: 1-4pm. Place: Student Union Ballroom on campus
  • Seminar Dates as determined by your syllabus for MUS 493M or ARE 493. These are usually monthly meetings held in the evenings on campus or via Zoom. More information about the seminar that accompanies the student teaching semester can be obtained through the syllabus and instructor of record for your MUS/ARE 493 course.
  • When your degree is posted and Institutional Recommendation is obtained, plan to get your TEACHER CERTIFICATION (see below)

Make sure you attend the orientation and apply for Student Teaching during the semester prior to your student teaching semester.

When registering for your last semester of classes, make sure to enroll in 12 units of MUS 493M or ARE 493.

Important dates to add to your calendars:

  • Orientation for Fall 2023 student teachers is: February 1, 2023 from 1-2pm via Zoom. RSVP to knolan@arizona.edu if you plan to attend. See tab above entitled “Applying to be a Student Teacher” for more details.
  • Application Due: February 17, 2023 by 5pm to D2L dropbox.
  • Professional Development Conference Part I: May 4, 2023, 9:00-11:00 AM, Zoom meeting.
    • Prior to this meeting, read the Student Teacher Guidebook. It is essential that you are familiar with our guidebook and come with questions to this meeting.
  • Professional Development Conference Part II: August __, 2023, 2:00-5:00 PM, Place: Zoom.
  • Career Advisement Session: November __, 2023. Time: 4:00-6:00pm, Place: Zoom
    • Bring a blue pen and your time card
    • Bring a resume
    • Bring teaching portfolio
    • Note: the UA Education Career Fair is in the spring but is open for you! The date will be Feb 2, 2022.
  • Seminar Dates as determined by your syllabus for MUS 493M or ARE 493. These are usually monthly meetings held on campus or via Zoom in the evenings. More information about the seminar that accompanies the student teaching semester can be obtained through the syllabus and instructor of record for your MUS/ARE 493 course.
  • When your degree is posted and Institutional Recommendation is obtained, plan to get your TEACHER CERTIFICATION (see below)

Obtaining Teacher Certification after Student Teaching

For current certification information, it is always advisable to go directly to the Arizona Department of Education’s website: http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/

Step 1: Institutional Recommendation (IR):

  • Make sure early in your student teaching semester you fill out this form to request an Institutional Recommendation.
  • After your student teaching is done and your degree is posted, Sara Knepper in the College of Education will issue IRs to the AZ Department of Education.
  • What is an IR? An “Institutional Recommendation” (IR) is your quick path to certification without a lengthy transcript review from the AZ Dept of Educ.
  • Details:
    • Provides for half the cost of normal certification (discount and IR valid for one year only).
    • IR will be processed and sent to the AZ Dept. of Educ. by Sara Knepper once degree is posted to UAccess, provided you filled out this online form early in your student teaching semester.
    • Sara Knepper will email you when the IR is received by the AZ Dept. of Educ. and you are ready to apply for certification using ADE’s online portal: at the AzEDCert Portal.
    • IR is only good for one year from the date it is issued. For security reasons, the state only allows one IR to be issued per student, so do not lose it.
    • Make sure that if you have a new mailing address since filling out your IR Application, you update it with our certification officer in the College of Education, Sara Knepper.

Step 2: Once you IR is issued, submit all materials to the Arizona Department of Education for your certificate:

After receiving their IRs, teacher candidates may obtain their certificate in one of three ways: (1) in person at the Phoenix Arizona Department of Education office; (2) mail all paperwork directly to the Arizona Department of Education (mail your documents to: ADE – Certification; P.O. Box 6490; Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490), or (3 – recommended) apply online by uploading materials to the AzEDCert Portal. If you have questions regarding the AzEDCert Online Portal, reference this Online Portal Setup Guide or contact ADE directly at certification@azed.gov(link sends e-mail) or (602) 542-4367.

Here are the items needed for obtaining your certificate:

  • Institutional Recommendation (IR)
  • Photocopy of your IVP fingerprint clearance card
  • Photocopy of official NES Test results for your certification test
  • Evidence of satisfying the AZ/US Constitution Requirement
    • If you took the AZ/US Constitution course and it is on your UA transcripts (e.g., you took the course at the U of A or transferred the course to your UA transcripts if you took the course through another institution), you do not have to do anything because it will be part of the IR issued by the U of A.
    • If you took the AZ/US Constitution course at a different institution and did not get it transferred to your UA transcripts, you need to bring/mail an official transcript from institution where course was taken (it is much simpler and cheaper to get it transferred to your UA transcript by sending it to Sara Knepper prior to her issuing you an IR.
    • If you took the AEPA test to fulfill the AZ/US Constitution requirement, you need to provide a photocopy of your passed AEPA test results.
  • On your teaching certificate application, you will select: (1) under Standard Professional Teaching Certificates, select Arts Education (Prek-12) and note “Music” or “Art”; and (2) under Endorsements, select Structured English Immersion (SEI) if you completed the LCEV 408/508 or TLS 416 coursework.
  • Fees, typically $60 ($30 for your arts education certificate plus $30 for your SEI endorsement; additional endorsements are $60 each).
    • NOTE: Your certificate is half price with your IR; the IR expires in one year and cannot be reissued, so don’t wait too long to get your certificate!

Students Not Planning to Teach in Arizona

  • If you plan to teach in another state: As a general rule, it is much more difficult to obtain a teaching certificate in any other state without your current Arizona certificate. Many states offer reciprocity if you hold a teaching certificate from another state. Visit or contact the other state’s department of education website for more information. Even if you do not plan to teach in Arizona, it is recommended you obtain AZ Teacher Certification and then request reciprocity from the other state’s department of education. If you decide to later return to Arizona to teach, your certificate remains valid for 12 years.
  • If you plan to attend graduate school or not enter the teaching profession: It is still recommended that you utilize the half price and quick path to certification with your IR (only good for one year after it is issued) and obtain your AZ Teaching Certificate. It is valid for 12 years and then offers flexibility should you decide to teach in the future in AZ or another state.

Students

Office of Field Experience

Karin Nolan Assistant Professor of Practice | Assistant Professor, Music
knolan@arizona.edu
Music Bldg, Room 159
520-621-7470
 Photo of